Design of future low-energy LED replacement for fluorescent tubes

Abstract

This document describes the design work of an LED replacement for fluorescent tubes that is both more energy efficient and does not contain mercury. The replacement should be a retrofit which means that it can be mounted in the fixtures of ordinary fluorescent tubes without modification of the fixture. The replacement is aimed to replace the T5 and T8 types of fluorescent tubes. The document describes the theory behind the magnetic and electronic ballast and pitfalls in driving electronic devices using those ballasts. The selection process for the components used is described as well as the difficulties encountered in the designing. The methods used for making measurements are also described. The prototype made in this project have a power output of about 5W and shows an energy conversion efficiency of over 90 %.